Monday, January 31, 2011

Sally Overbeck's Lasagna

It looks like another storm is headed for the northeast. Since we may spend another couple of days snow bound, I thought it would be great to share recipe for a dish that would help warm the house as well as fill the stomach. Thanks Sally for sharing!!

SALLY’S TO DIE FOR LASAGNA

(makes enough for 6-8 people)

o 1 ½ lbs of hot Italian sausage, cooked and ground
o 1 big can of tomato paste
o one 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
o 2 to 3 cloves of fresh minced garlic
o 2 T. of anise or fennel seed
o 1/3 cup fresh basil
o one 24 oz. container of small curd cottage cheese
o 2 to 3 eggs
o ½ cup of parmesan cheese
o black pepper
o ½ cup fresh parsley
o 1 lb. of mozzarella cheese, sliced thin or shredded
o enough lasagna pasta to make three layers

Cook the sausage, drain and rinse with water (rinsing is optional, but it cuts down on the fat and doesn't seem to affect the flavor).

Add the fennel or anise seed, any other hot seasoning that you want, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes. simmer for 30 minutes or more.

Add the minced garlic and fresh basil when you're through simmering.

At the same time you can be cooking the pasta, and making the cottage cheese mixture.

Start by stirring the eggs into the cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, parsley and enough pepper to that you can see it when mixed.

Butter a 9x13 inch glass or aluminum pan (I usually make a recipe and a half and use a 10"x 15" pan). Pans of 3 inch depth are preferred. Spread a layer of pasta, then a layer of cottage cheese, then meat sauce, then mozzarella. Layer the pasta in the opposite direction for the second layer and continue. For the last layer, put the mozzarella under the meat sauce because the cheese tends to burn if you leave it on top.

You can cook it right away at 350 degrees for one hour (or longer for larger ones or ones that have been in the fridge). Let sit for 10 or 15 minutes outside of the oven before cutting and serving.

- Sally Oberbeck

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Valentine Cardmaking at Phoenicia Library

It’s time for the Phoenicia Library's annual Valentine’s Day cardmaking sessions. The library supplies cardstock, fancy papers, stickers, cutouts, glitter, glue, ribbons, lace – a table full of colorful potential waiting for your creative input. You supply the labor, together with your friends, neighbors, and of course, kids. You get to keep one of the cards you make, and any others are sold for the benefit of the library there and and several other locations in town, for a suggested donation of $1. There are supervised session every Monday and Thursday afternoon (3:30-5) and Saturday (1-2:30), or you can just show up anytime the library is open. This is a fun event for families that also serves as an important fundraiser for the library. So come out and fight the dreary winter blues by supporting your local library!!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Rick Altman Trio This Weekend

















The Rick Altman Trio
with Mike Ralff & Jody Sumber

Featuring jazz classics and original compositions
with vibes, bass & drums
Special guest violinist Miriam Rose

*two shows*
Saturday, January 29th, 7:30 PM
The Pine Hill Community Center
287 Main St. Pine Hill
(845)254-5469 pinehillcommunitycenter.org

and

Sunday January 30, noon-3pm
High Falls Café
Rt. 213 & Mohonk Rd. High Falls NY
(845) 687-2699 www.highfallscafe.com

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Not Much Here

Looks like Woodland Valley was spared from this last storm. Light flurries are falling this morning but we only got an inch (at the most) overnight. I know the city got pounded but the system that dumped so much snow on them stayed to the south and east of us. Yipeee! Sorry for everyone in the city.......we know how it feels to have to constantly dig yourselves out!!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

So Far.......Nothing

I know the folks down in the city have been getting more than their fair share of snow in the last few days but it seems like the local area is getting spared. We here in the valley haven't gotten any more snow after the 2 inches we woke up to yesterday morning. There is snow in the forecast for tonight. We also still have a lot laying around from prior storms, but most of this storm seems to be sliding to the south and east of us. I will probably post again tomorrow morning and give you an update. Remember to check the time and date of these posts so you can have an accurate sense of what is happening here weather-wise.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Light Snow

After a couple days of extreme cold here in the valley we have been getting some light snow. So far only about 2 inches have fallen and the snow seems to be stopping. I see blue sky and a bit of sun peeking from behind the clouds. The forecast is for more bad weather starting tomorrow. I hope it doesn't turn out to be too bad. But we will just have to wait and see.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Dogs for Adoption at Shandaken Shelter

There are several great dogs up for adoption at the Shandaken Dog Shelter. Here are some photos and brief descriptions. If you are interested or know someone who is interested please call ahead to the shelter. These dogs are all nice but bark a lot when the dog runs are approached by someone they don't know. You will get a better idea of the animal's true personality if you let Nancy or one of the other volunteers bring the dog out to greet you. So, if you are able, consider opening your heart and home to a new friend! I am sure you won't regret it!!













Breed: Tibetan Mastif
Location: S.A.V.E - Shandaken Animal Shelter
Sex: Male
Age: 7
Description: Bling is a most gentle giant. His big paws and furry mane make him seem bigger than he is. Bling is friendly but very,
very shy. Shelter volunteers say it takes a few times before he starts to warm up to you. He is good with most other
dogs (fixed). It may take a few times for Bling to be comfortable with you, but if you want a big dog with a sweet
disposition just waiting to be loved and protected, Bling is your guy. He needs a strong and gentle hand ready to take
the time to show him that people can be trusted. He is very healthy and has all his shots
Contact: Nancy Hudler
Phone: 845-688-5004
Email: nancyhudler@gmail.com











































Breed: Corgi /American Staffordshire mix
Location: S.A.V.E - Shandaken Animal Shelter
Sex: Male
Age: 4
Description:
Boomer has puppy energy and a constant wag to his tail. He is energetic and smart and very protective. His strong and
gentle disposition makes him perfect for a single or couple with no other dogs. He likes most people but needs to get to
know you. He doesn’t like all other dogs. A favorite with our dog walkers and staff, Boomer is a charming little
gentleman.
The Corgi watch dog bark in him can be intimidating at first but he soon shows his self and is quickly on his back for a
belly rub. Boomer is a special dog and ready for adoption today.
Contact: Nancy Hudler
Phone: 845-688-5004
Email: nancyhudler@gmail.com











































Breed: American Staffordshire
Location: S.A.V.E - Shandaken Animal Shelter
Sex: Male
Age: 4
Description: Roscoe is a very strong, playful and smart dog. He has a big, confident personality and loves to play and play and play.
Running around and getting you to chase him is a favorite past time for Roscoe. Catch and fetch and hide and seek
are just a few of the games our volunteers play with Roscoe. He is brindled with the markings of an exotic tiger mix. His
shiny coat is truly one of the most beautiful we have seen. Roscoe needs a strong and confident owner with a yard to
run in and playmates nearby. He needs to learn to trust you but this is done easily and quickly. Just ignore him and he
is your best friend. He understands who is top dog and will make a most loyal companion. Roscoe is ready for adoption
today and ready to be a cherished member of the family. Let one of our volunteers show you his sweet and gentle
nature out of the pen.
Contact: Nancy Hudler
Phone: 845-688-5004
Email: nancyhudler@gmail.com

Friday, January 21, 2011

New Storm Total

I just came in from shoveling my back porch to give all of you the totals for the last storm. We got about 4 light and fluffy inches last night. Shoveling is easy but walking is dangerous. We got just enough snow to cover the sheet of ice left by the last storm so you can't see where the ice is located until you slip on it. If you haven't been up to your home since last weekend BE VERY CAREFUL as you get out of the car and walk to the house!!! The ice is everywhere you are just not going to be able to see it!!

Proceed with caution up Woodland Valley Road once you get past Fawn Hill bridge. There are ice patches on the road that the highway department has been unable to clear. The other danger along the road is that the deer are coming down from the higher elevations. I went out for a walk yesterday and saw 3 different herds of 8-10 animals in an hour. So drive slowly and with caution.

Remember that a pile of sand/salt mix is located behind Town Hall and is free to residents. Just bring something to carry it in. So that's all for this public service announcement.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

"The Woods" goes to Sundance

Woodland Valley Community Association member Max Nova wrote me the other day and shared the exciting news that a film he has executive produced is going to the Sundance Film Festival! Very cool!!!! Here is what Max had to say:

Dear Friends,

Some of you may have already heard, but for those of you who haven't, THE WOODS is world premiering at Sundance!!!

The independent feature debut of inimitable director Matthew Lessner, The Woods was exquisitely filmed in Super 16 by Wyatt Garfield, produced by Max Knies & Jett Steiger, and executive produced by Yours Truly.

"We were promised change, but it never came. Our cities crumbled around us. Our streets ran red with Hawaiian Punch. Our country was no longer our own. Under Daniel's guidance and leadership, we agreed to take action into our own hands. We preset our DVRs and ventured out of the city limits united. In the woods, we will be safe. In the woods, we will start anew."

This satirical attack on young, modern, globally conscious citizens tells the story of eight grown-up American children creating utopian society as best they can. With gorgeous Super 16 footage and an eclectic soundtrack featuring Dirty Projectors, Sun Araw, and Lucky Dragons, filmmaker Matthew Lessner playfully subverts counterculture films of the seventies while questioning the shortcomings of his own complacent generation. In a world where new technologies merely distract us from reality, the greatest revolution can only begin by leaving everything behind.

Here's to hoping that our Sundance debut is only the first of many big steps ahead for The Woods!!!

Sincerely,
Max

I am sure that I speak for all the members of the WCA when I wish Max and the other film makers the best of luck at the festival!!!!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

What a Mess!

The weather in the valley has been a mix of every kind of precipitation that I can name. The snow started to fall in the middle of the night and by the time I got up this morning we had accumulated about 4 inches. About mid-morning the snow changed to sleet and I would say we got about an inch of that. A little later on it switched to freezing rain then sometime in the early afternoon it turned to all rain. This made the snow that was on the ground unbelievably heavy and hard to shovel (not to mention the fact that you got soaking wet trying to move it). Of course, it had to be done because when this stuff freezes again it is going to be a rock!

The plows have been up and down Woodland Valley Road several times today clearing and sanding but I would recommend not driving if it isn't absolutely necessary. It is slippery now but passable but if the roads start to freeze it will be treacherous!

Right now it is 32 degrees and still raining lightly. The forecast is calling for more rain and snow into tomorrow with the high temperature of 35 and a low of 13. I will keep you posted.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Logo Contest Resumes

For those of you who didn't receive my recent email, I wanted to make you aware that the WV logo contest was resuming. Below is the letter that went out this week to all the WCA members. So put your creativity to work and submit an entry. You could be the lucky winner!!!

Greetings Woodland Community Association Members,
I hope this letter finds you well and surviving this winter's challenging weather conditions. During the annual meeting last summer we had looked over some submissions for the Woodland Valley logo contest. We voted to keep those submissions in the running but extend the competition to get more entries.

Unfortunately, due to my hectic schedule, I did not have the time to organize the ongoing efforts. Once the fall was upon us I thought it best to wait until after the holidays to again issue the challenge. So, now that we are all tucked into our houses and looking for a fun activity to fight off our cabin fever, I am going to resume the contest.

So come up with a logo that captures what Woodland Valley means to us all. You can email your submission to wvview@gmail.com (PLEASE DO NOT SEND ENTRIES TO BRAVE EMMA). Or, if you don't have access to a computer, you can mail a photo of your submission to WCA, PO Box 509, Phoenicia, NY 12464. Remember we ultimately want to put the logo on stickers (to give out free to members in good standing) and then maybe sell t-shirts and/or baseball caps depending on membership interest.

We are offering a cash prize of $100.00 and a $25.00 gift certificate to Sweet Sue's. The deadline for entries will be February 19th, 2011. After that I will post the entries on the blog so we can all vote for our favorite. So get your entries in NOW!!! LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN WILD!!

Best,
Carol Seitz
President Woodland Community Association

PS - All of the entries that were submitted last summer will automatically be
re-entered. No need to resubmit those ideas.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Tony Passes

In December the O'Neil family suffered the loss of their beloved cat "Tony". Mike O'Neil wrote the following short message and heartbreaking but lovely poem about the passing of his old friend.

"He died a few days before Christmas. He was born in the basement of the Roxmor Inn with a brood of about ten others--June of 1993. We brought home Tony and his sister Cleo to live with us. Get it? Anthony and Cleopatra."

Tony in his Dying

Though he was approaching 18 years,
We still thought of him as our baby.
Finally we admitted to each other,
That he was dying.

The pills and bromides we crushed and
Sprinkled into his food seemed to help him,
But eventually they ran their course.
He weakened and lost more weight.
He was unsteady on his pins,
When just this past summer
He strutted confidently.

Besides the pills and eye drops,
For his right eye was troubled too,
There were the saline solution infusions that Jeanne administered.

Warm the bag of salt water,
Attach it to the high post of the poster bed,
Carry Tony up to the bed,
Place and hold him firmly in a supine position,
Take a handful of back skin up in a grip,
And place the needle subcutaneously.
As the hydration progresses,
Both the nurse and her assistant kiss his head,
And promise him tuna fish when the imposition is over.

In his youth, Tony would follow me through the back woods,
As a Maine Coon cat will.
Occasionally I would lift him up on my shoulders,
For that was what he wanted.
He would wrap his considerable self around my neck as we walked,
In order to get a better view of his territory.
He would purr like a buzz saw.
We would talk to each other in a language you do not know.

Now, in his diminished state,
I lifted him onto my chest, and held him in my arms,
As we took a slow last walk around and about his ground.
He purred soto voce as we inspected the snow covered valley,
And the slanting winter shadows.

We stared at the rippling black waters of our meandering stream,
And listened to the skree skree skree,
Of the resident red tail hawk.
The sun was lemon yellow,
Warming us with the hope of a coming spring.

We are loath to give him up, but we know we must.
We put him in the biggest carrier to make him comfortable,
The one with the oversize tiger beach towel,
And cradle him into the car, saying all along, what a good boy he is.

Kindness and light at the end of the tunnel.
We say our goodby’s in room number 3,
Crying as we hold him.
We hold him and stroke him,
Even as the hint of a low sweet purr answers.
His favorite doctor talks to him and says she’s so sorry,
As she deftly plies the final needle.

Oh, Tony—the best of companions.

Bo
















RIP Tony 1993-2010

MJR Trio Gig Cancelled

The Harmony Cafe has cancelled this Sunday's concert. We do have upcoming concerts at the Pine Hill Community Center on January 29th at 7:30, and the High Falls Cafe on January 30th from noon to 3 pm. We'll keep you posted, or check the calendar page at www.rickaltman.com

Thursday, January 13, 2011

MJR Trio this Sunday in Woodstock
















For those of you who will be upstate this coming Sunday WCA member Rick Altman will be performing with the MJR trio at the Harmony cafe. Here are the details on that show:

The MJR Trio
Mike Ralff - Jody Sumber - Rick Altman
bass - drums - vibes

An evening of jazz classics and original compositions
Sunday, January 16, 2011
8 to 11 p.m.
free admission
HARMONY CAFE
52 Mill Hill Rd. Woodstock, NY (845) 679-3484

Eugene Ruffolo in NYC this Sunday

For those of you who will be in the city this weekend Woodland Valley's own Eugene Ruffolo sill be playing at the Rockwood Music Hall. Here is the message I received from Eugene about the gig.

Hi there.....
I'll be playing a set at the groovy and intimate Rockwood on this coming Sunday--Jan 16th. I'm filming the show for my new website (wear your cutest outfit)-- so I need enthusiastic audience members--that's YOU!!

Joining me--Alan Zahn on piano and John Miller on bass...
No cover-what could be better?
Please come on down!!!

Eugene

Rockwood Music Hall
184 Allen Street
7PM

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

The Newest Storm

It is still snowing lightly in Woodland Valley but the storm seems to be winding down. As always, it is difficult to say exactly how much fell because I am getting different reports from different parts of the valley. But I want to say that up here at the end of the road we got about 8 inches. A friend up on Pantherkill road says he got 12 inches. Down in town the reports are a bit less. In the end I don't think it was too bad. But maybe I am just jaded and still scarred by the memories of last year's monster storms.

The plow just went by but I haven't been down Woodland Valley Road today. I think it is safe to say that the highway crew are still cleaning things up so use caution if you must travel.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

House of WCA Member For Sale

Recently I received an email from WCA member Lynn Davidson regarding the house of another WCA member that is for sale in the valley. Below is a description and some photos of the home. Lynn's contact information is also listed for anyone who is interested. Here is a description of the property:

PERCHED IN THE MOUNTAINS WITH AMAZING VIEWS OF PANTHER AND TERRACE MOUNTAINS ON 6 VERY PRIVATE ACRES WITH MEANDERING STREAMS AND A WATERFALL. MAIN HOUSE IS SUN-DRENCHED FROM LARGE WINDOWS TO EMPHASIZE THE EXPANSIVE VIEWS. OVERLOOKING THE STREAM IS AN ENCHANTED CEDAR SHAKE SIDED GUEST HOUSE. IT IS 608 SQ FT AND WAS TOTALLY REMODELED WITH AN OPEN FLOOR PLAN. MAIN HOUSE HAS 4 BEDROOMS, 3 FULL BATHS, APPROX 1830 SQ FT. PRICED TO SELL AT $649,333 MLS# 20105168

CONTACT LYNN DAVIDSON FOR AN APPOINTMENT, OR MORE INFO LYNND@WESTWOODREALTY.COM OR 845 688-7020




Saturday, January 8, 2011

Snow Total

The snow stopped falling sometime in the wee hours of the night. It is a little difficult to tell exactly how much fell but I am going to say it was around 11 inches in the end. But it is light and fluffy and easily shoveled.

I haven't been out yet today but I have heard the plow trucks going up and down the road (one just passed as I typed that sentence). I went out yesterday afternoon and both WV road and Rt 28 were very slippery. The snow was falling fast and I think it was impossible for the highway crew to keep up at times. But they seem to be catching up this morning and hopefully things are clearer at this point. But, since the roads are still being cleared, I would drive carefully if you have to go out today.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Non-Violent Communication Group Forms in WV

WCA member Davida Luminabes sent me the following message about the non-violent group she is forming with others in the neighborhood. Davida's contact information is at the bottom of this post. Please send all inquiries and RSVPs to her directly. Here is what she has to say:

Forming Now;

Our NVC (non-violent communication) practice group will start off here in my home at 1215, Woodland Valley Road, Phoenicia (12464) on Sunday evening, January 9th, 6:30 pm. Welcome to join in a pot - luck before the meeting.. please RSVP either way.

In February we will be gathering at Karen's, and in the spring Alma will host. The group is centered in Woodland Valley.

Study Books:
· Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.
· Nonviolent Communication Companion Workbook: A Practical Guide for Individual, Group or Classroom Study, by Lucy Leu
· Buy and start reading books, if possible, although not necessary. What is important is to have both books in your hands for the weekly meetings.

See website for ordering http://www.cnvc.org/bookstore/cnvc-store-printed-items. Powell’s books (union) and Amazon (non-union) may carry them second hand. They are available from the Mid-Hudson Library System as well.

Additional source of books is Better World Books, which supports international literacy. They also have an option for free shipping.

No fee. Host to provide water and a pot of coffee, tea, and simple refreshments. donations ok.

Please feel welcome to join in a pot - luck before the meeting..

RSVP/Info:
Davida
Healing Arts
beloved1@attglobal.net

Snow Amounts......So Far.....

It started snowing late last night in the valley and is still coming down fairly heavily. We have gotten about 8 1/2 inches so far. Since it's Friday and a lot of folks might be wanting to come up for the weekend, I thought I would give you an early report. The forecast is for the snow to continue to fall heavily through this evening and then lightly overnight into tomorrow. I will give you the total at the end of the storm.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Some Snow in the Valley

We got some light snow yesterday in WV. It only added up to about 2 inches but it came down on and off all day. This snow is in advance of the 9 inches or more that is supposed to fall starting tomorrow and continuing into Saturday morning. Those of you who are headed up for the weekend should check the road conditions on the Thruway before you venture out. Just to remind you, there are weather cams at the Thruway exits that can be accessed online at this website:

http://www.thruway.ny.gov/webcams/


Checking into this site is a good way to see what you will be facing as you venture north along the roadway. Drive safely!!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Latest Road Repair Update

I thought it was about time that I give you all an update on the ongoing road repairs.

The rebuild just before the Fawn Hill bridge has finally been completed (see photos below). The last step was to install the VRSS (vegetated reinforced soil slope) and that was done a few weeks ago. In the photos below you can see the geotextile fabric that was laid down to create a series of two-foot, lip like steps up the slope. Supposedly between each layer are willow and dogwood stakes that will grow dense roots and keep the soil in place. After the VRSS layer was finished, a guiderail was put in place to prevent vehicles from going off the steep slope. Hopefully, the vegetation will grow quickly and add an extra layer of protection along the side of the road.

There has been large rocks, better known as rip rap, at the gates of Roxmor (or in this case Rocks-more - yipes, bad pun!) for the past week (see last photo below). Today I spotted a couple of large earth moving vehicles so I think they are getting set to repair the damage to the prior stream rebuild in that area that was done by the December 1st storm. I will keep you posted on the progress.

After a couple of weeks of work in the stream, the washout at the intersection of Woodland Valley Road and Grandview seems to have been repaired.

I also saw the highway department adding more large material to the stream by Romer Mountain Park. The December 1st flood also damaged the prior rebuild done on that part of the road.

So the highway department has been diligently trying to repair the damages to Woodland Valley Road from the last two storms. I think their work will continue for the next couple of weeks. I will keep you updated on their progress.




Sunday, January 2, 2011

Happy New Year to All!

I hope this post finds everyone happily winding down from the holiday season. The valley has been quiet in recent days. The weather has been on the warm side for January with temps in the 40's during the day. The snow that we got from the storm after Christmas has melted significantly. And right now the roads and driveways in the valley are fairly clear. Let's hope it stays that way but we still have the bulk of the winter to get through so I guess we will see how it all works out.

Now that we have put 2010 to rest, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish all of my friends and neighbors the best of everything going forward into the new year. May 2011 bring us all happiness, good health, and wonderful times with family and friends!!

Carol Seitz